7 November 2005 -- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry today criticized a decision by Azerbaijani authorities to deny entry to a group of Ukrainian election observers and demanded an explanation.

Ministry spokesman Vasyl Filipchuk said the incident "spoils the atmosphere for the development of friendly bilateral relations" between Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Sixteen Ukrainians who traveled to Azerbaijan to monitor the country's parliamentary election were barred from the counrty and sent home yesterday, the day of the vote. The Ukrainians said they were told at the airport in the capital Baku that they were not wanted.

(Interfax Ukraine/AP)

Azerbaijan Election Special

RFE/RL's complete coverage of the November 6, 2005, legislative elections in Azerbaijan and their aftermath.